Safe towing

Jaejag

New Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2019
Messages
1
I recently purchased a used 2018 Ford F-350 Platinum with the 6.7 turbo diesel. My next move is to purchase a used or new 5th wheel. I want to avoid anything too large that will make me wish I got a dually but at the same time want a quality camper with as much room as possible. Any suggestions or guidance would be appreciated.
 
Get the truck weighed with all occupants in that will travel when towing, also whatever will be in the bed. Add 150-200lbs for a hitch. Once you get the weight, the rear axle weight rating (GAWR) is going to be a limiting factor + the max weight the tires are rated to carry (usually around 7500lbs). Once you have a valid weight number to work with, and an axle weight to give you the what is already on the axle, then you can use 20% (pin weight) of the GVWR of any trailer you are considering. If the pin weight + the axle weight/tire rating are = to or more than the RAWR/tire rating, you need to find a smaller fiver. The GVWR on your truck is probably around 11400, but the rear axle and tires are the real limit on a single rear wheel truck.
RAWR = +/- 7500lbs; rear axle as weighed =4500lbs. 7500 - 4500 = 3000. This is the maximum pin weight you should consider. At 20% of GVWR, the max trailer you can consider is 15000. And this will be pushing it a lot. DO NOT WORK with any 'dry weight' numbers a mfg will list, not reality.
A lot of people tow heavy fivers with 250s, but should you do it? Your choice, at least you have a 350 to help with the numbers.
 
I have a 2500 Silverado with 6.6 Diesel Duramax and have safely crossed from coast coast twice and this year 13000miles to the Canadian Maritimes from NC - I am pulling a Keystone Cougar 32feet 8500lbs shipping weight - Going bigger will result in not fitting into many State Parks
 
Like wingfoot said but Ill make it eaiser. Do not overload the rear tires. U are not gonna bend the axle but the tires will blow. The rest is compromise. Small 5ers are easier to tow and park but a sacrifice of space. Quality cost money. How much do u want to spend. Keep in mind cheap trailers will depreciate quickly. There only a couple quality trailers being mass produced. Petersen and i guess DRV. Look for quality underneath first. Frame axels, brakes, slide out mechanics and all the sealing on the exterior. Then the stuff inside that make it comfortable. U are buying a trailer. First make sure it is a solid trailer. Then know you will have to maintain it. If you are not handy and knowledgeable on fixing it you best have a very deep pocket. Good luck.
 

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